Around end of last February, a Pixie from Althea-land contacted me via email to fill me in with the latest gossip in Malaysian K-Beauty world and it's all about their recently launched in-house brand skincare, Bare Essentials.
Before I go further into these skincare products, let me brief a little bit on this line of skincare concept; simplifying K-beauty routine. It goes without saying that having 10 to 15 steps with different products at each step can be overwhelming and time consuming for both morning and evening skincare routines. As I'm hitting the big 3-0 this year, I'm literally forcing myself to apply eye cream at night, using sheet masks at least 5 times a week and carrying facial mist everywhere I go just to keep my skin hydrated all day and night long. However, I can't deny the fact that I'm always tired from my daily activities and as much as I can enjoy doing my skincare routines at night, I want to minimise the number of products that goes on my skin in the morning.
Althea Bare Essentials trio claims to simplify my morning skincare routine with easy to use products that contain nourishing ingredients and helps prepping my skin for daily makeup application.
Looking at the packaging, I'm such a huge fan of minimal design and these are just right down my alley. They're clean, sophisticated-looking and giving slight industrial vibe with the cap coloured in metallic grey. I absolutely dig it!
Now, let's go to each of the product!
ALTHEA BARE ESSENTIALS CONTOUR CLEANSER
A rich and refreshing foaming cleanser that contains micro capsules to both cleanse and gently exfoliate away impurities while improving blood circulation for that V-shaped look. - Althea
How to use: Dampen the skin, then squeeze out a small amount and lather onto the face, massaging in a circular motions. Rinse off with water after.
Ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid,Lauric Acid, PEG-32, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Lactose, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Polyquaternium-67, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-7, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Pullulan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract, Sodium Benzoate,Sodium Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance
The key ingredients are Ice plant which hydrates and calms redness and Lemon verbena leaf which is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin.
My first impression on this cleanser is actually quite good as it's giving me a nice refreshing feeling on my skin while cleansing. There's noticeable micro capsules that actually exfoliate my skin gently and gotten rid some of flaky area on my neck due to allergic reactions. The scent is lemony or that's probably verbena should smells like. Only small amount is needed as this cleanser gives so much foam as it lathers so a little goes a long way with this one.
While I was in the period of testing the product where I used this facial cleanser everyday in my morning routine for 2 weeks, I do find this cleanser is slightly drying out my skin so these days I only use this cleanser every other day and followed up with facial mist right after I rinse it off as I don't want my skin feeling tight; yes, I no longer dry my skin with towel after cleansing.
While I was in the period of testing the product where I used this facial cleanser everyday in my morning routine for 2 weeks, I do find this cleanser is slightly drying out my skin so these days I only use this cleanser every other day and followed up with facial mist right after I rinse it off as I don't want my skin feeling tight; yes, I no longer dry my skin with towel after cleansing.
ALTHEA BARE ESSENTIALS PRIMER WATER
Smooth, hydrating and ever so slightly balm-like, this bottle of wonder penetrates into the layers of the skin to plump them up, prepping the skin and making it a smooth canvas for products to come. - Althea
How to use: Pour out a small amount and apply evenly onto the face, gently patting in for better absorption.
Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Betaine, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pullulan, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Agar, Polysorbate 20, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance
The key ingredients for this toner are snow lotus which smoothes and brightens the skin while evening out its texture with patented "dewdrop" formulation which revitalises the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture.
It's actually a first time for me to hear about the snow lotus flower being one of the rarest, most precious herbs in the world and known to have brightening energy, fixing dark spots on the skin, and superior anti-aging effects. I'm definitely all over this ingredient!
The texture is slightly thick yet still watery and I can apply using cotton pads or my fingers; either way is good. The scent is like baby powder to me which is nice and pleasant.
On the first impression of this cleanser, I'll be frank; I fell in love with this toner right on the first application. I'm lucky as my skin tolerates alcohol-containing products and this really did smoothed out my skin, making it feel so soft to touch at every application. I'm using this toner almost every morning (you know I have to alternate like 5 toners right now) and I just love seeing how my pores appearances reduced along with instant moisture effect upon application.
ALTHEA BARE ESSENTIALS FIXER CREAM
Powerful moisturizing properties are packed into this little jar that provides the skin with hydration for up to 24 hours for a fresh, revitalized complexion. - Althea
How to use: Apply evenly onto the face and gently pat in till absorbed.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, PEG-100 Stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Carbomer, Tromethamine,Polyacrylate-13, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Polyisobutene, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20,Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Fragrance
The key ingredients for this moisturiser are Trehalose which is a powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin, Wild Green Tea which is hydrating, skin soothing, packed with antioxidants and Baobab Tree Extract which is a non-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production.
This moisturiser is light and indeed non-greasy upon its application on skin. It's actually reminds me to the texture of now discontinued LANEIGE White Plus Renew Original Cream and I'm liking it as it suits my normal to oily combo skin just fine. The scent is mildly refreshing which I appreciate a lot.
The cream gives a nice and smooth finish which is perfect for my cushion foundation or mere tone-up sunscreens applications on lazy days. My skin feel well-hydrated throughout the day although I have to blot my oily T-zone area around 3pm which is fine as I no longer fancy a sebum-controlling moisturiser and use facial mists whenever I feel I need to replenish moisture level in my skin.
Overall, I would say using these 3 products for my morning would be suffice on my normal skin days. Whenever I feel I need a hydration boost, I add a hydrating first treatment essence or serum prior Primer Water or a simple hydrating sheet mask prior applying Fixer Cream even a hydrating tone-up cream on top of everything. The fact that I don't have to necessarily apply 5 to 7 products for my morning routine is truly convenient for me and it's always fun to interchange the fourth product to the trio.
You can purchase the trio separately with individual price or in a set with 10% discount (no code necessary) and get a cute Beauty Mirror for limited time. If you're new to Althea and planning to purchase more than RM150, use my link (click here!) for 20% discount!
So I guess that's all from me! I know you guys would want to simplify your skincare but do let me know what your thoughts by leaving comments down below.
Until next post, annyeong~
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Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated. The products were sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.
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